Mission San Miguel

Located in San Miguel, California, half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco sits the beautiful Mission San Miguel Arcángel which was founded on 25 July 1797.

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History: Founded in 1797, Mission San Miguel is a National Historical Landmark that has been an important part of Central Coast history for over 200 years with a story that is integral to California's history. Father Fermin Francisco de Lasuén founded Mission San Miguel on July 25, 1797. Almost two years earlier, the site was selected to close the gap between Mission San Antonio and Mission San Luis Obispo. It was a beautiful spot on the Salinas River called Vahca by the natives, Las Pozas by the Spaniards or "The Wells". The mission was to be named for the "Most Glorious Prince of the Celestial Militia, Archangel Saint Michael". Father Buenaventura Sitjar, the first administrator at Mission San Miguel had ministered to the Salinan people for 25 years at Mission San Antonio prior to his arrival at Mission San Miguel. Father Sitjar was fluent in the Salinan language and baptized 15 youth the first day Mission San Miguel was established. The church's appearance today is much the same as when it was founded. The inside of the church has never been repainted. The pictures and colors you see are the originals that were created and painted by Indian artisans under the direction of Esteban Munras. The Mission is once again a thriving parish and continues to be a novitiate training facility.